Senator Samson Cherargei of Nandi has set a bill for the first reading to extend the president’s term and all elected leaders to seven years.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled in the Senate, also proposes extending the term limits of MPs, MCAs, and governors from five to seven years. It also proposes the creation of a prime minister’s office.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei is sponsoring this proposed law, which aims to increase the terms of service for the President, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), and governors to seven years. Currently, Kenyans elect their leaders every five years.
The Senate will take up the Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill 2024 for its first reading.
“The bill proposes to amend Article 136 of the Constitution, which provides for the election of the President, to increase the term of President from five years to seven years,” reads part of the bill.
It also amends Articles 101, 177, and 180 to extend the terms of MPs, senators, MCAs, and governors.
Discussions around constitutional amendments began in November 2022 when a UDA legislator proposed removing the presidential term limit.
Fafi MP Salah Yakub suggested replacing it with an age limit of 75 years, but this proposal did not gain traction.
The Constitution currently limits the presidential term to two five-year terms.
Furthermore, the bill introduces the Prime Minister’s office, mirroring proposals made in the National Dialogue Committee and Building Bridges Initiative reports.
The bill states that the President shall appoint the Prime Minister from among members of Parliament, specifying, “The Prime Minister shall be the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties in Parliament.”
To expand the Senate’s powers, the bill gives it the exclusive authority to vet certain state officers.
“This bill therefore seeks to increase the parliamentary role of the Senate by addressing the issues that have hampered the implementation of the constitution,” it reads in part.
